slimghost:

How come? That's unlawful.

That report is also saying that it happened yesterday. Something is wrong with the account as people are saying it happened today.

The ongoing crisis in everything Amaechi touches gives him away as a terrible leader. He obviously seem to lack the ability to build, lead and motivate his team. This is only an indictment on his leadership style. From House of Assembly to State commissioner of Police to other Rivers politicians to Nigeria governors forum crisis. He is not doing something right. NGF has had many chairmen who are more alpha male and far more ambitious than Amaechi, why are the issues erupting only during his tenure?

Well, I suggest that the Judge 'mistakenly' sentence you to 70 years inprisonment.

They were smart Nigerians when they voted in Fashola, Ajimobi, Fayemi, Aregbesola and Oshiomole but became dumb Nigerians the moment they cast their votes for GEJ. Well, for your information, most of us will be dumb again come 2015. I can assure of of that!!

Mr President, you are on course and most sane Nigerians are strongly behind you. Achieving an MDG target for 2015 in 2013 is a big deal and we congratulate you for that.

If Buhari and IBB and Abacha has delivered on their promise of food, water, electricity and good health for all in the year 2000, you would have been saddled with sustaining those achievements but because these men failed, you are building from the scratch. Welldone sir!!

How much is Fashola's feeding allowance? How much does Fashola collect from tax payers money monthly as security allowance? Answers to these questions will give you an idea of the fraud you have in Alausa.

The annoying thing is that the same time we are witnessing simultaneous treamendous improvements from rail ways to airports to road to power infrastrcture to economic indices more than any other time in our nations history, some folks want me to believe that corruption is highest. Unless i miss something, i thought corruption is when people steal funds meant for works like this and divert them to private accounts.

How come they say GEJ is very corrupt yet we have projects getting done on all sectors? NDPHC has completed more power projects in 3 years than the years of from Buhari to OBJ presidency combined, yet GEJ is corrupt. How come the 'corrupt' government is getting the job done and the country getting value for each naira but the uncorrupt regimes had many plans but achieved nothing but the money was missing?

These are very pertinent questions. As Sen Smart Adeyemi said, GEJ seem to have overcome the inertia thrown in his way by BH and bitter opposition propaganda and getting the job done.

ozodigboo:
Bullcrap.
And why are peeps liking YOUR post ?
Anyone who followed the Egyptian problem closely will know that this was not an ordinary coup.
In fact, over 90% of Egyptians were begging the military to intervene. We saw all the jubilations that followed Morsi's removal.
Whatever we think, the wish of all egyptians should be paramount - not what GEJ or Obama, whatever thinks.
We have all been brainwashed by this idea that THE BEST MILITARY GOVT. IS WORSE THAN THE WORST DEMOCRACY.
Because of this , u see our politicians hiding under democracy to perpetuate evil n massive corruption.
At least the egyptian army were decent - they didn't install a fellow military man. They installed the Chief Justice.
The Nigerian FG is condemning . . . . . .condemning what ? Are u better ** sucking up to Obama**
SmH.

The number of people that don't like Morsi in Egypt, are they more than the number of people that don't like Cameron in UK or Obama in US of Netanyahu in Isreal? Do they have less number of youths in their fold? The important question is why are they not in the streets? Was there no jubilation on Nigerian streets the day Abacha took over government? Some of you need to really think before you type stuff like this!!

lagerwhenindoubt:

Please quote one Foreign Policy Position besides Provisioning of UN Peace-Keepers, that Nigeria has a consistent history on

I will not 'quote' one but i will quote some... For easier accessiblity of our foreign policy position, please check this wikipedia page:
"...Nigerian foreign policy has been characterized by a focus on Africa as a Regional power and by attachment to several fundamental principles: African unity and independence; Capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region: peaceful settlement of disputes; nonalignment and nonintentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations; and regional economic cooperation and development. In carrying out these principles, Nigeria participates in the Organization of African Unity (OAU) now known as the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth,and the United Nations."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Nigeria

To underline Nigeria's influence on the continent, AU just suspended Egypt from the regional body almost immediately Nigeria's position is known. Tell me what else is influence...

@awodman
Thanks, but i think our teachers (who are NLC members) should do more on civics education and not just industrial actions. I shouldn't be the one doing this!!

scipher: ah! Who damaged NIGERIA to this extent

Buhari, IBB, Shonekan, Abacha, Obasanjo, and Yar A'Dua.
I ask the same question when people like the NIMC MD talk about efforts to establish a centrallized database for Nigeria citizens or when GEJ talk about 2nd Niger bridge or when our rail roads are being revived and decades of comatose situation or when we learn that last concrete investment in power generation was made decades ago. Who managed this country so badly that it is as if GEJ and his team seem to be starting everything afresh?

Lordlexy: Rhetoric nonsense of a market wowan. You tink in ur little mind tat Nigerians are not fade up wit d govt. If street protest will get d govt working, so be it. The Egyptian youths have actualy defined for us wat true democracy is by forcefuly evacuating a tyrant who had hijacked every legitimate means to get him impeached. Like it or not, tis is d right step in right direction. A lesson to public office holders tat power belong to d ppl and d can exercise it which ever way they want, because the ppl are the constitutn. Those in govt should watch out, Nig version could be costly.

Learn to keep aside your emotions when you react to issues. Emotions of love, hatred, anger, happiness, joy etc does not guide clear headed decision. This is what the youth cannot do and what older men do, the very reason they are said to be wiser.

Read the writing of the fathers of democracy you pretend to talk about and understand that the Egyptian style revolution was replaced by ballot boxes for a reason. Find and read the writings of from John Lock to George Washington and understand the basic ideology of democracy. Democracy actually came to be and have been refined over the years to evolve a more civilized way of changing political power. That is why intelligent people talk about 'streaghtening democratic institutions' and not youths with unbridled energy taking to the streets and burning down their cities until they dethron a 'dictator'!!

ochukoccna: Coup or not,what happened in Eygpt was the will of the people
[b]How come they was mass jubilatation when Morsi was removed?
[/b]And to think a mainly moslem nation rallied to kick out Islamists in power who went about balkanising Eygpt
Morsi failed to read the signs, gauge the mood of the nation nor understand that power belongs ultimately to the people
By the time he gave thought to negotiate from his defiant high horse,it was too late
Even the police and military were rejoicing
Doesn't that tell you something
Hope our politicians learn that been in power doesn't gave them the liberty to run the country aground
Why the FG jumped the gun to lamblast the Eygptians beat me hollow seeing America the UN and leading nations have given measured responses
Not that I support coups but an Africa which lacks strong institutions will see the Eygpt option particularly when a government is so detached from the people the way Mursi was
If Mubarak could be pushed out by the people,who be Mursi
Mtsheeeeew.

@Frank-C,be not deluded
[b]Currently,Nigeria no longer has the fear factor she once had in African politics and on the world stage
[/b]She can regain it though

You are very correct, there was jubilation in the streets of Egypt few days back. What you forgot is that there was more profound jubilation about one year ago when Mubarack was toppled and when Morsi was elected. What is the guarantee that there wont be a bigger jubilation when the next elected leader is driven out about one year from now?

Egypt is passing through a tough moment. The protests that toppled Mubarack excited people thirst for anarchy, which is an inherent uncultured human nature. Morsi probably made some mistakes, but Egyptians need to understand that their democracy is still very nascent. There is no suggestion of nation building in the protest, as the protesters reasons are more political than for common Egyptians. I agree that certain calls could be better managed like call for overhaul of Constituency Assembly and withdrawal of Morsi Decree, but that the President should resign is a No No for me. That is not democracy anymore. Or do you think that PDP can not easily mobilize 1 million people in Lagos Streets to call for Fashola's resignation , abrogation of Okada ban and Toll gate policies? And of course, people will rejoice if some touts round him up and swear in someone like Jimi Agbaje after intence propaganda war!!

And for your point that Nigeria has lost her regional glory, please mention one country in Africa that is of more stretegic important than Nigeria on the continent. Over the last 3 years, almost ALL Nigerian nominees for regional body positions have been passed. Nigeria almost dictate the policy direction of African Union today. Nigeria have massive followership on the continent. Nigeria took an important position on the Lybia question and when the smaller African countries saw that, they left SA and lined up behind Nigeria. We decided that AU must intervene in Mali and we also decided the scale of the intervention. The only thing holding African countries from collapsing under Western pressure on gay acceptace by the society, including the most recent from Obama is Nigeria's. If Nigeria cave in to this pressure today, others will quickly align. Our military might have been better applied. And for your information, ONLY our military have real field experience in Islamic insurgency and guerilla warfare repulsion on the continent. So, how exactly have our position in Africa dropped? I will rather argue that we have gotten better.

I know that you don't like GEJ for some reasons but I don't think that it is enough reason to place your country lower than where it belongs. As David Mark told the West during the direct diplomatic pressure for gay right, they can hold their aids and we don't give a damn. How many countries on the continent can say that today? We are doing pretty well on the diplomatic circles and we have something to bargain with. We can only get stronger!!

Too many kids running around the block. Nigerian government foreign policy has been very solid, consistent and more ideologically driven lately. Nigeria has had a very bitter experience of military rule. Most Nigerians (apart from few CPC/ACN people) believe that the worst civilian government is better than the best military government.

Nigeria is an acclaimed regional power. A power house that is fast translating her potentials to reality. African biggest democracy and home to more than 250 black african ethnic nationalities who coexist side by side amidst mind boggling contradictions. Home to strong but professional military and a fast maturing democracy.

You can quote me, no voice on the continent is stronger on this issue than Nigeria's. Only ACN/CPC touts and few illiterates will link this strategic foreign policy position to a terribly unlikely similar event in Nigeria or to local party politics, I will not be surprised if some of them even link it to Amaechi because that is all their little mind can see. Which normal human being will expect Nigerian government to remain silent on the happenings in Egypt (your strong ally during your difficult period of civil war), nor even expect the government to support military intervention in civilian politics. Morsi may represent something reprehensible, I personally don't like any political party that espouse religious ideology but he was chosen by majority of Egyptian people for a time limited tenure. Egyptians should learn to strenghten their democratic institutions to impeach the guy but not remove him by street protests and military intervention. Besides, no government fixes a country after one year in office. Rolling out tanks in the street of Egypt just betrays the weakness of Egyptian democratic institutions.

You will notice well reasoned foreign policy position from this government. Ranging from Mali to Libya and now Egypt. There seem to be robust debate in the 'war room' before a position is taken and we have never been proven wrong. Actually, South Africa lost her leadership role in Africa to Nigeria because of the way we have conducted our foreign policy. Not that I expect children to understand this, but I know that GEJ and Ashiru are doing something right.

Nothing serious, it was only a 'progressive' fight. There was an excellent touch of 'sophistication' in every punch throwm...

Why not go ahead and stop 'funding police in Rivers' instead of talking like a market woman. Almost everyday, Amaechi say this, Amaechi says that. Who is he really? A State governor who lost out in the power game in his party and working so hard to curry the sympathy of noisy APC touts.

First, he accused the CP of reporting to Abuja as if the CP was not deployed from Abuja in the first place. It is beyond his brief to dictate which police commissioner he wants or not. IGP has done his job and Amaechi should work with the guy for the good of Rivers citizens instead of this his daily rants. He wants to be Rivers governor, PDP national chairman, NGF chairman, IGP, NDDC chairman among others.

Nigeria police cannot be controlled from Rivers government house. Which kind of leader quarrels with the security apparatus in a State he governs anyway? The only people Amaechi is not presently quarrelling with today are the unregistered APC people.

crackhaus:
Yes you probably need more information, and a pair of glasses as well. Where in the original post did it mention a labour minister negotiating a salary deal with the NLC? And BTW, federalism has nothing to do with minimum wage

I am afraid you have not addressed the concerns i raised. You seem to have no idea about the status quo that the bill is attempting to change. Few facts that exist today include:

1. FG via the Minister of Labour negotiates trade and labour deals with NLC, including the 18k minimum wage. This is how NLC comes about the Agreements that they always accuse government of not implementing.

2. Did I hear you say that Federalism have nothing to do with minimum wage in Nigerian context? You seem to be divorced from reality. The issue in question here is that National Assembly want to change the status quo by moving trade deal negotiation from the exclusive list of FG responsibility and devolving same to the State governments House of Assemblies (concurrent legislative list). Devolving Federal powers to States does not just have 'something' to do with federalism, it alters the very structure of the federalism we practise. Trade deals with Labour body (collective bargaining) is what establish the minimum wage figure in the first place. That process seem to be insufficient as FG and few States are able to honour it for her workers but many other states said they cannot honor it because of paucity of funds and there is no legal mechanism in place that get States to dictate to the FG what they can pay that will guide the negotiation process. Today, some States can pay minimum wage but others cannot pay it and the Senate in their wisdom want to solve the problem from the root. Let the States decide with Labor what they can pay.

As i said earlier, I have not taken or canvassing a position on this issue but just presenting my understanding of the issue on ground. If anybody have an insight into labor logic for resisting this move, please I will like to read it.

Ok, if I understand this guy, he is trying to say that wages should remain in the exclusive list of the FG and not devolved to states to legislate on. This clamour raise more questions than answers:

1. How does this position reconcile with NLC position of weaker center and stronger states- Federalism?

2. Is NLC suggesting by this struggle that they trust the FG more than the states that are closer to them?

3. Everyone, including the NLC believes that there is corruption in Nigeria. Normally, bringing government closer to the people reduces the incidence of corruption as the people are closer to the managers of the resources.Can the NLC explain why they don't want the State governments that will pay the salary to be the ones they will negotiate the deals with? Could this be because they are more comfortable discussing with the FG than their state governments?

4. How does this clamour perform when placed side-by-side with the clamour for an independent LG? In fact, what is NLC definition of democracy, federalism and seperation of powers?

I asked these questions because in this country, people like to make empty noise. I don't just get it. Why would Labour minister negotiate a salary deal with the NLC while the salary will be paid in Ekiti from Ekiti purse with all the peculiarities of Ekiti environment which the Labour minister and even the NLC leaders at the negotiation table may not be privy to?

I probably need more information to take a position on this issue, but it doesn't just make sense to me on the face value.

Those are the kinds of people that Buhari and Tinubu and their foot soldiers here on NL have been protecting by calling the clampdown on Boko Haram a violation of Human Rights.

oxford: The one million dollar question is this:

1. Has the NGF fared better under Amaechi?

2. Has Amaechi's ambition and subsquently jettison of the NGF,s consesus mode of electing their chairman, plurized the NGF and Nigerians causing disaffection with the political space?

3.Without Amaechi cant the NGF function effectively

4.With what is happening in the NGF now can we truely say Amaechi is a good leader?

5. Has the river state police commissioner claim that Amaechi is a dictator been proved true with all the happenings in the NGF?

6. Obviously the NGF is dead or dying, will Amaechi be remembered as the chair that killed the NGF because of blind and inordinate ambition?

7. How in practical terms has the NGF impacted positively on the Nigerian masses during Amaechi tenure as head?

8. Amaechi is heading river state and the NGF and both is divided along different lines, can we say this speak well of his leadership qualities?

None of them, not even he new found love will attempt answering any of those questions. You forgot their leaders even call the clampdown on Boko Haram a violation of Human Rights because they see BH as anti GEJ. Some of them even consider Shekau a hero 'for standing up to GEJ'

Just as all the air mishaps in your regime as aviation minister were caused by witches and wizards. Clown!

You guys should just let one thing sink in. The civil war ended about 40 years ago. The spoils of war as you used to know it can no more stand. The vanquished are back to the table to demand their fair share of the country you insist that they must be part of, and they must get it. No amount of propaganda or noise will stop the ongoing realignment and adjustment of the body polity. If we are all Nigerians, then we should all be Nigerians. None of you can continue to dictate to the rest of us, Nigeria belongs to all of us.

If some of you are smart enough, you need to read Asari interview again and this time, slowly. Anybody can choose to be politically correct but in the end, the reality stares us all in the face. Most of us have hit buttom and resurfaced again. They know how it feels down there, so you can bring it on!!!

shdemidemi:

Bro, If opposition parties in developed countries never agree on issues, I believe disagreement amongst parties in Nigeria should be much more. We should actually embrace the spirit of checks and criticism amongst parties.

Nigerians as a people must constantly criticise the actions of the government until there is a positive visible impact on every life through policies made by any government in office.

Stop saying what you know nothing about. Are farmiliar with John McCain and what he represents in American politicosphere? Do you know how many of Obama's policies he has openly agreed with? ALL American political parties agree on things like war on terror, capitalism, foreign policy or space programs. In Nigeria, Buhari and Tinubu thinks that they spoonfeed the ruling party if they support the war on terror and even went to the extent of calling crackdown on Boko Haram as violation of Human Rights. They also known to sponsor foolish reports of 'starving soldiers' in Mali and other such things that undermine the credibility of the country they want to rule. They have also shown themselves to warm up to anybody they perceive to oppose the President, be it Amaechi or Kwankwaso or Shekau. They have also attacked our best minds for supporting the President and his program for the country, people like Ngozi and Mmadueke. Their opposition style is childish, fooolish and stuupid. They should be ashamed of their brand of opposition.

Fashola is a con man. He will release info on his approaching birthday and follow it up with another of his unwillingness to celebrate it. All aimed at manipulating the minds of the gullible.

If you think it is a lie, we have 36 State governors in Nigeria including Fash and all we hear each year is how ONLY one of them reject birthday celebration. Have you heard about the birthday of from Kwankwaso to Chime to Akpabio to Shettima to Jang to Peter Obi and a host of other governors? The reason is simple, he is a con man and his art is aiming at your minds. Many governors don't even care about birthdays or even forget it somehow but Fash always want us to know that he remembers his but want to save 'tax payer's funds' by not celebrating it yet he was willing to fund Tinubu's with tax payer's fund.

1025:

uncle, a gov can vote for amaechi and still attend the meeting organised by jang. have u asked urself how one group knows everything the other group does at all times? a gov can attend a meeting as a spy.
one truth even dead nigerians know is that amaechi won the election but somebody is using his political muscles on that situation and in the pdp fashion trying to impose somebody on some ppl.
for us to progress as country, justice must always be our watch word.
please learn to call a spade, spade.

And have you wondered why Amaechi has not convoked a meeting of his massive followership?

Ok, Mr Lamido but a few questions for you:

1. Are you not worried that some people among the 9 governors voted for Amaechi on the 4th on July and showed up for a meeting convoked by Jang on the 5th? Example is Ahmed of Kwara.

2. Is it true that you people, including the 9 of you who for a reasonable chunk of the 19 members of the governors forum agreed that Jang should be the consensus candidate of the Northern governors, without even you, Lamido, raising objection. What kind of man agrees to some decisions made at his immediate family meeting level only renege on such at the town union level?

3. You talked about NGF leader being for everybody everywhere in the country. What is your position on the leader of the body statutorily billed to come from the political party with the biggest representation. If you agree that being a governor under PDP in the present dispensation qualifies one to lead NGF, can you reconcile it with your present claim of divorcing the same PDP interest in who leads the forum?

4. Are you aware of any prior in the NGF constitution that recognises that the leadership rotates between North and South?

5. Since you openly come out to state that you supported Amaechi's candidature, which i see nothing wrong with, just that you should have stated that clearly at your regional meeting that accepted Jang as your candidate, you being one of the founding members of PDP who should show other the way, do i assume that you support Amaechi's position of a) Eternal dependence of LGs on the the State Govs, not even State Assembly. B) Rejection of sovereign wealth fund and retaining of excess crude account that expose the fund to political pressure from you governors to be shared any time as was the build up to 2011 elections and c) Governors forum serving as a pressure group to the FG or do i say, a point of check and balance instead of the National Assembly?

Mr Lamido, i think you don't like Tukur, so it is blinding your position. If the positions canvassed by Amaechi are what you will want to institute if you ever become President, then you are very far from it. I expect you to be a voice of moderation in the PDP. You should not be caught speaking like Kwankwaso, because you are one of the few Northerner that someone like me have respect for. You have never been known as a turncoat or maverick, so forget it!! You should work with your party to resolve any issue and not excerbate it. So far your position has helped destroyed NGF, both central and regional. I don't thing that is what you wanted, Mr Lamido.

How come Lagosians mostly groan under this kind of traffic congestion that is happening in Rivers State?

kunlekunle:

how was it done in the 70s and 80s?

Where exactly had free portable water in the 70s and 80s? Which year did this free water stop? And which countries provide free portable water for her citizens? I will like to learn...

Ok, to make it simple, this guy is saying that they have constructed an equivalent (in length) of roads from Abuja to Ibadan and back to Abuja and back to Lokoja. Sounds interesting...

Amaechi and his followers are being funny. Since after the 'elections' why has he not convoked a meeting of his followers? Jang has done that a number of times. Even the NEC meeting he is clinging to on Monday was convoked by the Presidency. What is he afraid of? He should go ahead and convoke meetings as the 'authentic NGF governor' and not be worried by Jang.

One thing is clear here, NGF can never be the same again in this dispensation. Their unity is cracked and even that of the northern governors is destroyed, all because Amaechi want to lead his mates against the wishes of his party hierarchy and other power blocs. The worst case scenario is for Jang faction to rename their union and the split lingers, and that inherently destroyed NGF. And by the way, which serious group retains a rogue operative as a leader? A man suspended by his party leading the opposition governors is what it is- opposition governors forum.

And for the noisy lots up there letting out empty emotions, this case has been decided. Invest your emotions in more important things. Mbeki lost SA presidency when he lost the support of his party. Same thing happens everywhere. You can't stand against the sentiments of your political party and leaders and expect to have a smooth sail. Anyway, i don't expect you guys to relax. Noise is in your DNA. You shouted more during Silva's saga.

egift: Kings Of Deception. So it was the judiciary that made him pardon Alams, hangout with Nigeria's finest political criminals and militants?

How come you yoruba people cry more about Alams pardon , a man that was pardoned after serving out his full prison terms and returning the looted funds to the state coffers, than the Bayelsa people? I have always wondered about this...

And how come that you Yorubas have not dropped a single petition against Tinubu with EFCC after looking at his long list of properties in Lagos alone despite the fact that he is not Dangote? How come you insist that a man that was accused, jailed, served out his jail term and had all his loots returned does not deserve pardon but the one stealing you blind is stoutly defended and even promoted your 'National Leader'? How many civil servants and political leaders have been charged to court by any of your state government or are you telling me that all SW civil servants don't steal government funds? In fact, how many SW State govs have sentenced state and LG politicians in their state to prison, the very thing you shout that GEJ should do? Any way, i don't expect much different mentality from folks who believe that Buhari will fix corruption by flogging people into line.

This has nothing to do with dislike for corruption. It is more about hatred for the President and all his actions.

I may be wrong but i think that 2 weeks is too short for a good manager to make judgements. The signs may be there but probably not conclusive enough until you look deeper and probe further, gathering all the facts with your head tuned to transforming the gloomy situation on ground.

I just don't want another Sanusi heading another government agency, shouting fire! fire!! as he settles down only to be stuck in full tenure of breathless prattles but no real movement. I think this guy should cool down, focus and position the PTDF to a post NNPC era. To do this, he needs more than 2 weeks, or so i think.

...as it dwindles among Tinubu, Abubakar Shekau and Buhari foot soldiers for the 'unconstitutional act' of flushing out people who have murdered the innocent, bombed churches and killed seasoned acdemics.

This guy sure know how to activate a roll call of paid Tinubu dogs. See them... almost all of them have answered 'present sir!!'

This man should just shut up and do the right thing!!! UK is one of the buyers of stolen crude till today, even after when GEJ led an international campaign to label stolen crude as forbidden in the international markets just like the 'blood diamond', UK was among the countries that frustrated that move.

If UK is really interested in what happens to oil thieves, why not start by at least issuing an official ban on ALL stolen crude from Nigeria. That is a way to encourage Nigeria, not by yearning dust!!